Heligan II – Meeting Monsters!

Hello everybody! And yes, a new week might have begun for the rest of us, but adventurous Irish Beasties Paddy and Plunkett are still enjoying the sights of the Lost Gardens of Heligan. If you missed part 1 of these two little monsters gadding about in the garden, you can find it here… Otherwise, let’s see if we can catch up with them now!

Aha! There’s Plunkett, anyway. And he appears to have found a pleasant pond in a shady corner… But he’s very intrigued by these alien-looking plants sprouting by the fence. Maybe you shouldn’t have stayed up late last night reading “The Day of the Triffids”, Plunkett?Hmmm… I don’t think these are sentient, mobile plants bent on world domination, but they could be giant hogweed, which is almost as nasty. These botanical beasts pack quite a punch in their phototoxic sap, which can cause blistering and scarring on human skin. I’m not sure if it has any effect on little woolly monsters, but it looks like Plunkett isn’t taking any chances. He’s gone to seek out some safer exotic plants…These giant rhododendrons are definitely more his style, don’t you think? And once you’ve enjoyed the spectacular floral display, you can wander through the leafy tunnel under their branches!

This brings us out in the Heligan woodlands, where Plunkett has caught up with Paddy at last.I reckon they were lucky to find each other at all – the grounds here include 60 acres of woodland! And it doesn’t help that Paddy is being suspiciously quiet for once…

“Shhhhh, Plunkett! She’s sleeping!”This is the Mud Maid, one of the famous mud sculptures which decorate the path through the woods. She appears to be living my own personal dream life of dozing all day in the shade of the trees… Although I could happily skip the part in her creation where she was covered in yogurt to encourage lichen to grow on her face and hands!

But uh-oh, is Paddy dashing ahead again? And, as he skips merrily along the fence, he doesn’t appear to have noticed that other monsters besides himself are at large in this forest…Fortunately, Plunkett is looking out for him… But can Paddy hear his warnings?

“Paddy! Behind you! There’s a giant about to eat you for lunch!”

“What? You’re going to eat a giant lunch? You know, I am starting to feel a bit peckish… Wait for me!”A narrow escape for Paddy there! But all that was forgotten by the time they made it to the table…After all, it’s hard to dwell on the past when lunch is a bathtub-sized bowl of soup. Yum!

We’ll be joining Paddy and Plunkett again in a couple of weeks… But don’t forget to stop back in on Friday, when we’ll be getting ready for September with a new calendar page!

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23 thoughts on “Heligan II – Meeting Monsters!”

Wooooooow really really wanna go there now! I love Mud Maid and also would like to be her–yogurt and all! It’s been entirely too long since I breathed some fresh air, and it really looks delightful from where I’m sittin. That scone doesn’t look too shabby either 🙂 Thank you for sharing!

Oh, I know! Hanging out in the woods, in a slinky ivy dress… The Mud Maid really has it made. And yes, a bit of fresh air wouldn’t go amiss at all – but hey, it’s Wednesday! Take yourself out to the park and breathe some sweet non-Poowichy air! Cheers for dropping by, Weekes 😀

Haha alas, I was forced to breathe the (close to) Poowichy air yesterday despite it being a Wednesday!!! But I’m happy to report that the sacrifice was made for a worthier cause than work. Oy vey…. I hope you’re findin some fresh air yourself before the cold temps and holiday madness sets in!

Ooooh, intriguing! Do tell! Oh, and after talking up the wonders of a wander in the park the other day, I sold myself on the idea and took some time out for a stroll myself. Most pleasant, especially early in the morning!

I’ve joined this troupe of actors that ‘performs’ a Shakespeare every Wednesday… and it happens to take place nearish Poowich! So much for eliminating that commute once a week! Ohhh an early morning stroll in the park sounds just divine. I’m glad you took a much needed break from tiny sewing to clear your head (and eyes)!

Hahaha! So it’s true… Poowich really IS the centre of the universe! It’s good that you can get a weekly Shakespeare fix though. Also good – morning strolls! I’m almost a little addicted… We’ll see how long that lasts with winter on the way 😀

Yeah it’s been awesome to have at least one thing to actually look forward to per week! Yup, with winter coming, you might have to move your morning stroll to 11am when the sun actually comes up…and make it quick, before the sun goes back down again at 2pm!

Monsters (nearly) eating monsters! Why was there no sensitivity warning at the beginning of this post? I love that giant though and I’m now looking out my window wondering if I could do something similar to the ugly mud hill in my own backyard. Ok, now I better go read part one…I hope there’s no potential cannibalism involved.

Don’t worry, part 1 is much less edge-of-the-seat potential danger… Although if you don’t like pineapple, you’re in for a bit of a bumpy ride. As for creating your own mud giant, I reckon you should go for it! According to the ever-reliable internet, the one at the Lost Gardens of Heligan grew out of a fallen tree trunk, so why not put that mud hill to good use? 😀

Wonderful photos, Helen – those giant hogweed plants do look quite fearsome. Something about those prickles is vaguely creepy (vs. succulent prickles, which are adorable). 🙂 Thanks for the info about the sap – I now know to steer clear! And what cool environment art! (I will remember the yogurt next time I’ve got lichens to feed). Looked like a very fun day!

Thanks, Shirley! And yes, I don’t know what those Victorian-era explorers were thinking when they brought giant hogweeds home as ornamental plants! They’re pretty mean, and really invasive once they take hold. Better stick to those succulents, I reckon! Thanks for joining us on our walk in the park! 😀

Oh we know all about Hogweed, working on the railway. Nasty stuff!
What fabby mud monsters the boys found. That second one does look a little bit like he’s sizing up whether he can fit a wee beastie in his mouth…

Hahaha! Yes, I reckon it’s just as well Plunkett called Paddy away when he did. And as for that hogweed – yeuuuuch! You really have to wonder what those guys were thinking when they brought it home as an ornamental plant! 😆 Cheers for stopping in, Hannah!